Land Development Arborist
Clearwater, FL 
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Posted 29 days ago
Job Description
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Clearwater, FL
Job Type
Full-time
Department
Planning & Development
Job Number
2022-00194
Position Description

ENTRY SALARY: $47,238 - %56,685 DOQ
POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Under general direction, the Land Development Arborist enforces city code (Community Development Code) requirements for the preservation of trees, permitted removal of trees, prohibition of hazardous trees, installation of new landscape materials, and erosion control during construction actives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Reviews tree removal permits, inspects requested tree(s) and determines if tree(s) meets criteria for removal; determines if replacement trees are required; processes permit and schedules and conducts follow up inspections.
  • Utilizes professional and technical knowledge and judgment to assess tree health and structure of trees to make determinations that impact public safety.
  • Conducts inspections of construction sites to monitor tree preservation and erosion control measures; issues stop work orders or red tags as needed; attends pre-construction meetings with site contractors, general contractors, consulting ISA Certified Arborists and other contractors; discusses tree preservation and erosion control issues.
  • Reviews building construction permits (BCP); is part of the Development Review Committee (DRC) for technical review of Planning applications (FLS, FLD, PLT, etc.); reviews miscellaneous permits for tree and erosion control impacts; reviews proposed landscaping and tree removal deficits and replacements; conducts final landscape inspections; inspects on complaints regarding illegal tree removal and hazardous tree code violations.
  • Assists the general public with tree preservation and landscape questions; provides education on proper care of trees; advises property owners of correct maintenance and code requirements.
  • Attends weekly meetings to answer questions from developers and contractors related to site approval; reviews permit logs, and answers site plan submittal questions from the developer's team.
  • Inspects permitted landscape improvements for compliance with codes, standards and consistency with approved plans; inspects all trees, shrubs, and ground cover to ensure that the quality and quantities meet code and the approved plans; and confirms installation of irrigation systems.
  • Prepares and presents illegal tree removal and hazardous tree code violations/public nuisance violations by inspecting, gathering evidence, creating a case, preparing a presentation and presenting before the Municipal Code Enforcement Board.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:

  • A valid State driver's license is required.
  • ISA Certified Arborist is required.
  • FNGLA, (Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association) is preferred.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Planning, Biology or other related field AND two (2) years of experience in urban forestry, horticulture, arboriculture or related; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Supplemental Information

Knowledge of -

  • Arboriculture, horticulture, and general urban forestry principles and practices
  • Local tree species and their characteristics including tolerance for urban impacts, resistance to decay, etc.
  • Tree risk assessment
  • Multi-use natural resource management principles, biology, ecology, and environmental science
  • Tree preservation and erosion control techniques
  • Laws and regulations governing tree preservation compliance
  • Computer systems and related programs
  • Report development and presentation
  • General office policies and procedures; computers and general office equipment

Skill in -
  • Reading, interpreting, applying, and assessing site plans
  • Inspecting and evaluating trees, ground cover, and other landscape materials for various job sites
  • Florida Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants
  • Enforcing code requirements with tact and impartiality
  • Communicating and enforcing codes and ordinances
  • Reading Engineering Drawings
  • Customer Service and assessing customer requests
  • Reviewing permit applications
  • Communicating effectively, verbally and in writing
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
  • Operating a computer and related software

 

Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Experience
2 years
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